Evaluation of Gross Motor Proficiency in Children and Youth with Physical Disabilities

The benefits of physical activity are universal for all children, including those with physical disabilities. The participation of children with physical disabilities in physical activities promotes well-being, enhances inclusion, minimizes deconditioning and optimizes physical functioning and health. Gross motor proficiency is positively associated with physical activity and inversely associated with sedentary activity in children. Moreover, understanding the child`s gross motor proficiency is important in order to make decisions regarding placement in physical activity programs. Therefore, it is important to evaluate children with disability gross motor proficiency. The purpose of this workshop, therefore, is to provide to both clinicians and researchers with practical information regarding the manner in which the practitioner can objectively evaluate the gross motor proficiency of children and youth with physical disabilities. Moreover, practical suggestions to pediatric healthcare professionals for the promotion of gross motor proficiency in children and youth with disability will be provided. In the second part of the workshop, the participants will actively practice different methods to assess gross motor proficiency of children and youth with physical disabilities. More specifically, the workshop will focus on assessment of body coordination (e.g., balance and bilateral coordination), manual coordination (e.g., upper limb coordination) and strength and agility.